Development of TRACECA transport corridor discussed in Turkmenistan

During his visit to Turkmenistan, the Secretary General of the Permanent Secretariat of the TRACECA Intergovernmental Commission (PS IGC), Aset Asavbayev, discussed the prospects for the development of the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA), Report informs, citing the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan.

“During the meeting on April 17, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Secretary General of the PS IGC, Aset Asavbaev, discussed the current state of cooperation and prospects for interaction within the framework of TRACECA. The active role of Turkmenistan in establishing and expanding the transport and transit potential of the region was highlighted,” the ministry said.

The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to continue the joint implementation of relevant TRACECA documents aimed at expanding investment opportunities in transport and transit corridors.

In turn, the TRACECA Secretariat said that during the meeting between Asavbayev and the Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Mammetkhan Chakiev, the possibilities and further prospects for the development of the TRACECA corridor were discussed.

“Asavbayev informed Chakiev about the current TRACECA initiatives that the Permanent Secretariat is working on, the progress of their implementation, and also shared his vision for further improving multimodal transport within this corridor,” the ministry said.

The Secretary-General noted that the Permanent Secretariat expects Turkmenistan’s position regarding its readiness to sign the Agreement on a Single Transit Permit, joining the Agreement on the Development of Multimodal Transport, and the multilateral permitting system.

The parties discussed the issue of simplifying the visa regime for drivers carrying out transportation under TRACECA, and the readiness of the Turkmen side to provide support in this matter.

Following the discussions, Asavbayev emphasized the need for the prompt appointment of a permanent representative (national secretary) of the PS IGC in Turkmenistan, who will promptly coordinate the implementation of their initiatives in the country.

On November 14, 2023, Turkmenistan officially joined TRACECA, becoming a full member of the Basic Multilateral Agreement for the Development of the International Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia.